Navy Band Northeast coming to West Bridgewater

Patriotism will have special meaning at the town’s summer band concert on Monday when the Navy Band Northeast entertains residents and guests with its 45-piece orchestral precision.

By Sandra L. Churchill

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Sandra L. Churchill

Posted Jul. 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 21, 2013 at 9:10 PM

By Sandra L. Churchill

Posted Jul. 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 21, 2013 at 9:10 PM

WEST BRIDGEWATER

» Social News

Patriotism will have special meaning at the town’s summer band concert on Monday when the Navy Band Northeast entertains residents and guests with its 45-piece orchestral precision.

“I think it’s just an awesome opportunity to bring a Navy band to a small town,” said Forestry and Parks Superintendent Chris Iannitelli.

“We are very privileged and honored to have them and I think it’s a thrill for the vets and everyone to come and hear a great band and their dedication to our country,” said Iannitelli.

Navy bands hail from the Newport, R.I., area since the Civil War days, and Navy Band Northeast was founded in 1974 as one of the 13 official Navy Bands worldwide.

Navy Band Northeast is connected to the Naval War College at Naval Station Newport and is directed by Lt. Commander Carl J. Gerhard.

“I think the thrilling part for me was to get an armed forces band to recognize all those who are serving and have served in the military,” said Iannitelli. “We’ve worked so hard in this town with our War Memorial Park and all the flags in town,” said Iannitelli, “and I feel very patriotic about this.”

The band performs at military and civilian events free of charge, but provides only six weeks’ notice to its commitments in case of deployment overseas.

“Kudos to Chris Iannitelli,” said resident and army veteran Bill Kovatis, who serves on the town’s Veterans Recognition Committee.

“I don’t know how he pulled this off but it’s probably the best thing ever,” said Kovatis, who used to drive band members around during his army days.

“Nothing can perk you up like this kind of music,” said Kovatis, who will put up extra gazebo flags in time for the concert.

“It’s great to see the patriotism that this town puts out for the veterans,” said resident and 14-year Marine Corps veteran Dean Hardy.

Another patriotic event is planned for August.

“We also extend an open invitation to our sixth annual recognition ceremony for all servicemen and women which will be held Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. at 96 Beacon St., West Bridgewater,” said Heidi Hardy, Dean’s wife who co-developed the veterans memorial garden near their home.

This event will feature the Singing Trooper Dan Clark and his wife, Mary Colarusso.

“The country is in bad straits and we need the patriotism back,” said Kovatis, “so I hope we have a good showing.”